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OCTOBER 4, 2012 Find us on
Month XX, 2012 SWORDS • BALBRIGGAN • APPLEWOOD • BOROIMHE • AIRSIDE • RIVERVALLEY
INSIDE: Check in for some fun and games THE NEXT PHASE: Broadband at Hotel Transylvania upgrade ‘a boost’ for Balbriggan P5
Boxing: Local club seeks space as waiting list grows Page 40
Sport awards:
September’s sporting heroes announced inside Page 37
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .................... 26 MOTORS ....................... 28 TRAVEL......................... 30 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 32 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 34
Holywell school opening warmly received NATALIE BURKE
FOLLOWING two years spent in temporary accomodation, Holywell Educate Together National School recently celebrated the completion of their brand new school building, a move warmly welcomed by Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD. The highly-anticipated completion of the school building project was just one of six new school buildings
delivered under the Department of Education’s Rapid Delivery programme, which saw the construction of new schools in Swords, Balbriggan, Mulhuddart and Lucan, as well as two extensions for schools in Swords and Portarlington. According to principal Maria Boyne of Holywell Educate Together NS, the new building is “phenomenal”. Full Story on Page 3
Made up for Autumn: Time out for pampering at fashion weekend SWORDS Pavilions’ Autumn Weekend of Fashion was a big hit with daily fashion shows that featured the latest Autumn/Winter 2012 trends. Shoppers like Christina Cawley took advantage of the pamper zones and
got a new autumn look from Laura Donovan. Top Stylist Courtney Smith was aslo on hand sharing her tips to suit all budgets and ages with her Fashion Wardrobe sessions.
2 SWORDS Gazette 4 October 2012
public: rodent issue council Fingal Cleaner Communities awards take place
Irish Rail set to remove beach weeds
natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com
Overgrown weeds at Balbriggan Beach are finally due to be cut by Irish Rail, a move that has been welcomed by TD for Dublin North, Brendan Ryan (Lab). The overgrowth on the train tracks had become an “intolerable situation” according to Deputy Ryan, who said he had put continuous pressure on Irish Rail recently to take responsibility for the area. “This was more than a mere case of overgrown bushes or weeds in an isolated area, this area encroached right towards the beach,” he said. “I had several reports from residents of rodents scurrying to and from the
beach from the safety of the overgrown embankment. This was an intolerable situation.” According to Deputy Ryan, the area was not under the responsibility of Fingal County Council, instead falling under the auspices of Irish Rail. “Balbriggan Beach is a wonderful amenity which was the victim of a dreadful sewage leak in recent weeks. This problem on the land side of the beach was causing a long-term problem with rodents and just being plain unsightly and untidy. I have now set up a direct contact with Irish Rail to ensure this embankment by the beach does not become so overgrown and unsightly in the future.”
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Lab), Chris Sullivan, John O’Connor, Bernie Kennefick and PJ Howell, director of services, environment, business and enterprise in Fingal County Council. Pictures: Kevin Mcfeely
Neat wins for exemplary locals T HE 37th community-based anti-litter competition Fingal Cleaner Communities awards were held in County Hall recently. This is primarily a litter-awareness competition to enhance the appearance of residential and business areas around the county similar to the National Tidy Towns competition, and is open to residents, businesses and community groups. In attendance on the night was Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Cian O’Callaghan, director of services PJ Howell and
John Daly, senior engineer Fingal County Council. The mayor said: “The Cleaner Communities awards fosters great community spirit.” Mr Howell added: “The standard this year is higher than ever before.” This year, there were over 100 entrants across all categories, which range from Best Front Garden to the Green Business Award. Thirty-five prizes were awarded on the night. The overall prize was awarded to the Balscadden District Community Council for their excellent work within their village.
Breda Howard with Mayor of Fingal Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Lab), James Carthy, Joan
an award for Best
Jim McGovern and Joe Caulfield,
Cheevers, Anna O’Grady and PJ Howell
Presented Front Garden
from the Moorings
Joe O’Donnell who won
David McGrane, of The Pound in
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Lab), Seabury residents
an award for Pavillions
Swords with an award for Best
Michael O’Neill, Philip Lynch and Jacinta Cumiskey, with PJ
shopping centre
Presented Business Premises
Howell
4 October 2012 SWORDS Gazette 3
education New building replaces prefabs for pupils
Reaction to new school is ‘phenomenal’ natalie burke
Following two years spent in temporary structures in Swords, Holywell Educate Together National School recently celebrated the arrival of their brand new permanent school building, a move warmly welcomed by the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD. The highly-anticipated completion of the Holywell school was just one of six new school buildings delivered under the department’s Rapid Delivery programme. Developed in 2007, the programme provided an innovative response to the
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need to deliver schools quickly in areas experiencing rapid population growth, where there was no existing school, or where the existing provision was unable to meet demand. This round of the programme involved the construction of four new Dublin schools in Swords, Balbriggan, Mulhuddart and Lucan, as well as two extensions for schools in Swords and Portarlington, Co Laois. The principal of Holywell Educate Together National School, Maria Boyne, said the staff, parents and pupils of the school are “delighted” with the new building.
“To try and explain where we came from, we were in prefabs for two years. We had no facilities and had nowhere to do PE. We didn’t have a library, we just had a yard and PE was dependent on the weather. So to have this fantastic school, a state-of-the-art facility, it’s just phenomenal,” she said. “It’s just great for the community and I suppose in a time of gloom and doom with the recession and other financial pressures, to see that money has been invested in education and in the community is fantastic.” Welcoming the new buildings, Minister Quinn
The new Holywell Educate Together National school building in Swords
said: “This year’s Rapid Delivery Programme will provide fantastic, modern school accommodation for some 3,300 pupils overall. “Significant challenges lie ahead in terms of the need for additional accommodation to meet increased demographic demand for school places. I am well aware of this need and last March, I announced a five-year
construction programme to address this, with €1.5 billion being spent on 275 major new projects.” While Holywell National School benefited from the programme by gaining a brand new 24-classroom school, community facility and special needs unit, the Thornleigh Educate Together National School, Swords, received a 10-classroom extension and general purpose hall.
Scoil Chormaic Community National School, Balbriggan, also welcomed a new school building with 16 classrooms and a community facility. The delivery of these projects provided over 1,700 additional school places, with pupils benefiting from modern energy-efficient buildings and improved learning environments.
Inclusion Plan for health centre welcome LOCAL Councillor Tom Kelleher (Lab) has welcomed the inclusion of Swords on the list for primar y health care centres, saying the decision will make a “huge difference” for people in the area. With a population approaching 50,000, Kelleher said Swords is one of the biggest urban centres in Ireland, yet suffers from a lack of facilities. “Waterford, Kilkenny and Galway are far better catered for in terms of public transpor t, healthcare and educational facilities,” the councillor said. “The existence of a primary health care centre with facilities, including X-ray, would make a huge difference to the lives of the people of Swords,” he explained.
4 SWORDS Gazette 4 October 2012
culture Big plans for Fingal Film Festival Why advertise with the Gazette? Movie buffs alerted to 2013 event laura webb
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CALLING all film buffs, the Fingal Film Festival is back and the organisers are urging up and coming film-makers to sign up and make their submissions for next year’s spectacular event. Following on from the hugely successful inaugural event earlier this
year, the organisers are busy preparing for the next festival. They are now taking film submissions for consideration for the 2013 Festival, due to take place in May next year. Organisers are planning a bigger event than last year, with workshops, equipment presentations and screenings. They
also plan to host a classical film section, Q&A screenings, and have a special section for youth filmmakers to showcase their work. They will be launching a short film heritage and culture section from Fingal. Creative director Dave Byrne said: “This year we are calling upon filmmakers from all over the
world to submit their latest work. We encourage new film-makers to submit material but, this year, we are also looking for submissions from more-established filmmakers as well to showcase their work at the festival.” Application forms can be found at www.fingalfilmfest.com.
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Making connections: Starbucks plans to raise €100,000 for St Michael’s House project Models Roz Purcell with Celine Gilmer, marketing manager for Starbucks Ireland, and Liam Toolin (6) at the Starbucks coffee shop in Airside Swords where they heard the announcement that the coffee chain had nominated St Michael’s House as one of its charities. St Michael’s House is a voluntary organisation which is one of the largest provider of services to people with intellectual disabilities in the State. The relationship between Starbucks and St Michael’s House will include a long-term fundraising target of €100,000 towards St Michael’s House’s My Life, My Way project which will be achieved through donations from coffee sales. Starbucks is donating 10c for every coffee sold on the first day of each month to the My Life, My Way project.
Culture: diaspora Over 50 people meet to plan Gathering Natalie burke
news@gazettegroup.com+
OVER 50 people attended a Gathering Community meeting held at County Hall, Swords, last week, in an effort to generate ideas and plans to bring events related to The Gathering 2013 to Fingal next year. The Gathering Ireland 2013, an initiative launched by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, is set to be the biggest tourism initiative ever in Ireland, which hopes to bring an estimated 325,000 additional overseas tourists to the country in 2013. The Fingal Community meeting was organised by County Gathering Coordinator of Fingal Council, Noeleen McHugh. A large number of Gatherings for Fingal in 2013 were proposed and a new website is available for those ideas to be shared. The website also contains tools and resources for people to plan their Gatherings. McHugh said: “There was a terrific sense of enthusiasm at the Swords meeting and the ideas that were generated there on Thursday could definitely bring people to the area. What we need now is for people to get behind these terrific ideas and put the plans in place to make Fingal a hub of activity for 2013.” Gathering ideas generated at last week’s Community Meeting included a Viking Festival, inviting ‘Vikings’ back to Ireland, as well as a Fingal Literary Festival. According to Elaine O’Sullivan of Fingal Tourism, the Gathering Initiative has the potential to bring a genuine boost to the region. “If we all make an effort to put the ideas into place and commit to the plans, there will be a great boost for Fingal in 2013.” For further information log onto www.thegatheringireland.com.
4 October 2012 SWORDS Gazette 5
telecoms Eircom investment ‘boost for the area’
Balbriggan to get high speed broadband natalie burke
THE town of Balbriggan is set to benefit from a high-speed broadband investment by Eircom later this year, in a move that has been welcomed by TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell (FG). The TD welcomed Eircom’s planned roll-out of fibre broadband in Balbriggan, saying it will be a positive development for the business, education and technology infrastructure for the area. “Towns in Fingal such as Swords and Donabate have recently benefitted from Eircom’s initial roll out of fibre-powered broadband as part of a
national plan. Balbriggan will be the next town in Fingal to receive investment in broadband infrastructure which will benefit businesses and homes in the area from April 2013,” he said. Eircom unveiled the locations for the next phase of their ongoing “Fibre To The X” broadband project last week. Set to be operational next year, the former State-run telecom provider will target 125,000 homes and businesses in eight counties across the country. Work on what will be the third phase of the rollout will begin this winter, and is hoped to be com-
pleted by Easter 2013. The first phase of the project was completed earlier this year, with the second phase currently underway. Deputy Farrell said: “Access to high-speed broadband is essential for business development in this current technologydriven environment, not to mention local schools who will benefit as a result of this investment initiative.” With plans for the highspeed broadband intrain, homes and businesses in the Balbriggan area will soon have the opportunity to take advantage of a growing broadband market. According to Deputy
Eircom staff working on the installation of the broadband roll-out
Farrell, the expansion of the broadband market will help lead to improved quality and services. “Vital infrastructure such as high-speed, good quality broadband is invaluable for businesses to communicate and perform effectively within today’s digitally focussed
market. This comes at an opportune time when entrepreneurial initiatives in Balbriggan such as the Fumbally Exchange and the Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce have recently received Government funding to boost job creation in the area,” he concluded. Other com-
munities benefiting from the third phase of the project include Crown Alley, Dolphin’s Barn, Nutley, Beggars Bush and Coolock in Dublin, as well as other areas outside Dublin such as Cork city, Waterford city, Kilkenny town, Mullingar and Sligo Town among others
christmas
Argos to hire 700 for season ARGOS will be creating almost 700 jobs this Christmas as they look to recruit temporary workers across Ireland, including at their branch at the Pavilions Shopping Centre, Swords, in preparation for the busy shopping season ahead. The announcement by the retail merchandise store will be welcome news in what continues to be a challenging job seeker’s market. Along with flexible hours and training, recruits will benefit from a competitive rate of pay plus staff discounts at Argos as well as its sister company, Homebase. Andy McClelland, national operations manager forArgos, said: “Argos is a fast-paced, exciting and interesting place to be during the festive season, so we are looking for passionate and enthusiastic staff to join our teams.”
6 SWORDS Gazette 4 October 2012
money Residents concerned about closure of Allied Irish Bank branch
Farrell hopeful 24-hour ATM facility will stay in Rush natalie burke
TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell (FG), moved this week to assure residents in Rush that the management at Allied Irish Banks hopes to retain its 24-hour ATM facility in Rush. The announcement
follows the recent decision by AIB to close its branch at Rush, a move that has raised concerns among members of the public. According to Deputy Farrell, however, he is hopeful that the ATM will remain in the town, despite the potential branch closure.
“Rush residents are concerned about the future of the 24-hour ATM service on Rush Main Street following the planned closure of the AIB branch. I would like to inform residents that following numerous talks with AIB management and several repre-
sentations to my office, including my clinic at Rush Community Centre, I remain very hopeful that the town will retain its ATM,” he said. Regional director of AIB Dublin North and West, Fergus Hopper stated: “I am extremely hopeful that, subject
to satisfactory security arrangements, the ATM facility will be retained at its present location, pending finalisation of more suitable permanent ATM facilities in the Rush community and/or the sale of the bank premises.” According to Deputy Farrell, it would be a
“shame” for Rush to lose the only ATM available to the public 24 hours a day, “and also for neighbouring Lusk, which relies on this as its closest on-street automated cash facility. AIB are remaining cautious about making an announcement until they complete negotiations to
ensure that proper security maintenance can be achieved”. “I believe a 24-hour access ATM machine is a requirement for the town and I will continue to represent Rush to the management of AIB and any related agencies that are involved in this process.”
Swords dealer hails ‘positive’ Seat move Nataile Burke
A family-owned car dealership in Swords has welcomed an investment by SEAT Ireland to the area. As part of a new €20m dealership investment, Michael Barrable Motors will be the new home to Seat in Swords, as the car company expands its network of dealers across the country. The new Seat showroom was officially opened at the end of September, with a number of new model launches set to take place over the next few months. Commenting on the announcement, a spokesperson for Michael Barrable Motors said: “For many years, Michael
Barrable Motors has offered a top quality fleet of new and used cars as well as a low-cost one-stop shop for local drivers’ car-servicing needs. The team here is delighted to welcome Seat to Swords and we look forward to offering a new range and competitive prices to our customers. Seat in Ireland is in the middle of an exciting period of expansion, and we look forward to being part of this.” According to Seat Ireland brand director Adam Chamberlain the latest announcement is a positive move: “We are excited about Seat’s latest dealership at Michael Barrable Motors which has been one of Dublin’s most reputable dealerships for the past 25 years.”
Malahide Castle is ready to welcome the Avoca food and retail store which will be located in the courtyard
retail: shop is big part of redevelopment plan
Avoca is set to open in new castle home natalie burke news@gazettegroup.com
After months of planning, the brand new Avoca shop, food hall and cafe are finally set to open its doors in Malahide this weekend. Located on the almostcompleted redeveloped grounds of Malahide Castle and gardens, the new Avoca store is part of an ambitious redevelopment plan by Fingal County Council that will see the castle and its popular grounds reemerge as one of the top visitor destinations in the country. The Avoca food and retail store and cafe will be located in the courtyard, to the rear of the
castle, where it incorporates old stone-walled outhouses adjacent to the ruins of Malahide Abbey. The store will open for business for the first time from Thursday, October 4, a move welcomed by local Fine Gael Councillor, Anthony Lavin, who looks forward to seeing the first stage of the redevelopment opening to the public. Welcome
“I welcome the opening of the new Avoca establishment to Malahide and I am hoping that it will be a great success. I’m delighted to hear the opening date will be this week, and I wish them the best of luck with it,”
he said. Avoca is a food and retail store, which originally stems from its first home at Avoca, Co Wicklow. The food hall is renowned for its artisan foods from home and abroad, with a range of unusual teas and coffees, jams and relishes, as well as salads, soups, gourmet sandwiches and tarts from the deli-bars and cafe. Malahide will be the latest project for Avoca, who already have locations across the country including Wicklow, Rathcoole and Belfast. “I think it’s something really exciting because there isn’t a retail and food experience out on the northside like this,
so it’s something that we are really excited about,” said Maoliosa Connell, marketing manager for Avoca Handweavers. “It means that we get to bring everything that we love to the northside and you don’t have that travel aspect. People come from far and wide to go to Avoca so there is most definitely a market there for the one at Malahide. “The grounds and everything about the castle encapsulate the whole idea of Avoca. It’s going to be absolutely beautiful, it is in a really nice setting, surrounded by beautiful gardens. It’s just very exciting. The interior and aesthetics of the shop are really going to be such a wonderland.”
4 October 2012 SWORDS Gazette 7
8 SWORDS Gazette 4 October 2012
charity Up to 120 take part in the Ross Nugent Golf Day - a
TV3 presenter Martin King with Pauline Brennan
The late Ross Nugent’s father Don, his sister Emma and mother Sandra Nugent
Day on the fairway is ace for Beaumont U
P to 120 people took part in the Ross Nugent Foundation golf day in Killeen Castle recently. Most participated not just for the fantastic prizes but for a more poignant reason. This is a fundraiser set up in memory of young man who died just two years ago from the disease Ewings Sarcoma. Before he died, Ross Nugent had been deter-
mined to raise funds to buy a blood pressure monitor when he got out of Beaumont Hospital. He wanted to do something to make life more comfortable in the onclogy unit. Unfortunately, Ross was never given that opportunity so the the foundation was set up to carry out his promise on his behalf. Two years later, thanks to the generosity and
Paul Evans and Emma Nugent
support of many, the foundation have provided more than 75 pieces of equipment to Beaumont with more equipment (costing more than €20,000) currently on order. During the recent golf day, TV3 presenterMartin King supported the event and acted as a compare, presenting some of the prizes to those who had enjoyed a fantastic day of golf. Stephen Barron and Mark McHale
Killeen Castle where the Foss Nugent Foundation Golf Day was held
Emma Nugent with the winning team TJ O’Connor, from left: Michael Moriarty, Chaz Heather, Edmund Fitzgerald and Gerry O’Kelly
4 October 2012 SWORDS Gazette 9
medical fund-raiser set up in memory of a brave young man
Yvonne Cleere
Pauline Brennan, Deirdre Bradshaw, Helen Magill and Michelle Milner
Michael Merrins and Philip Cleere
Emma Nugent and Phillip Cleere
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TV3’s Martin King and Lisa Brady
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10 SWORDS Gazette 4 October 2012
charity Supporters help to highlight brain injury service
Sophie and Maria Ford
Amanda Kevlin and Fiona Foy Holland
Stars come out to raise funds in style L
OTS of celebrities, socialites and well-known faces gathered at 37 bar in Dawson Street recently as part of Dublin Fashion Festival, with a great shindig in aid of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland. 98FM DJ Steve Cooper got the show started, with the likes of Mickey Joe
Harte, Brian Kennedy, the Debbie Allen Dance Troop and Fauve Chapman rubbing shoulders with Emma Waldron, Alison Canavan, Niall O’Farrell, George McMahon and Nick Munier, all keen to help support the evening’s fashion show in aid of the Dun Laoghaire-based charity.
Dave Duffy and Lisa Cuddy
Models showcased clothing from stores such as Lara Boutique, American Honey, Fran and Jane and Louis Copeland, while up and coming designers Claire O’Connor and Umit Kutluk, and milliner Aisling Ahern, all donated some of their pieces to be part of the fundraiser.
Siobhan Nolan and Susan Chris and Maggie O’Hara
Barbara Nolan, Brian Kennedy, Calum Best and Karen Ennis
Craddock
Aisling Holly and Andrea Smith
4 October 2012 gazette 11
property
education: dse initiative calls for primary school participation
Dublin prices rise 3%
Pupils urged to go for science prizes Hiromi Mooney
PRIMARY schools across Dublin are being encouraged to apply for this year’s Discover Science & Engineering’s (DSE) Awards of Science and Maths Excellence. Last year, 77 Dublin primary schools were recipients of the awards. To qualify for the award, schools must keep a log of certain science and mathsrelated activities that they undertake throughout the year. Schools will get credit for taking part in other DSE programmes, visiting Discover Science Centres, inviting guest speakers to talk about science and maths and displaying their work. Many primary schools in Dublin are also taking part in DSE’s Discover Primary Science
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and Maths Programme, which encourages primary school children and teachers to approach science and maths in a fun and interactive way. “Since we started the Discover Primary Science and Maths Programme in 2003, the project has gone from strength to strength, with more than 6,000 teachers registered last year,” said director of DSE Dr Graham Love. “This year, the Discover Primary Science and Maths programme will continue to encourage an appreciation of science and maths in students from an early age that will stay with them throughout their education. Students of today are tomorrow’s leaders and we look forward to Irish students leading the field of maths and science in the future.”
DSE is the national integrated awareness programme managed by the Science Foundation Ireland on behalf of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. It aims to increase the numbers of students studying the physical sciences, to promote a positive attitude to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Speaking at the launch of the awards, Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock said: “The growth of STEM subjects is extremely important for the recovery and further development of our economy. It is imperative that STEM subjects are promoted at a young age to recruit and encourage the youth of Ireland to progress their skills.”
At Tayto Park right meow: Maenam is the latest addition to cat family MEET Maenam, the newest addition to the animal family at Tayto
Park. The female Fishing Cat cub, born in August, is slowly being introduced to her surroundings. As part of an endangered species, her arrival is a real success story for the park’s breeding programme. International Cat Day takes place this month, so Tayto Park is celebrating the five different cats species living there –the Amur leopard, the ocelot, the serval, the mountain lion and the Fishing Cat. Log onto www.taytopark.ie for more details.
DUBLIN house prices increased in value by an average of 3.1% in the last quarter, according to figures released by estate agents DNG. T his figure covers the period of August to October, and this is the first three-month period in more than six years to show an increase in the average price on the House Price Gauge. In the same period last year, the average price of a resale property in the capital fell by 5.6%. The managing direct o r o f DN G , K e i t h Lowe, was cautious about the significance of the increase.: “The latest results add further weight to the argument that the market in 2012 has proved flat in terms of price movement at the very worst and, in some cases, prices have moved away from their low point, at least for the time being.”
12 gazette 4 October 2012
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charity Fight night at Croke Park for Pieta
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Boxing star John Joe Nevin, pictured here at the SARI Soccerfest 2012 in Phoenix Park, leads the line-up
Silver-medal drive for charity boxers laura webb
Olympic silver medallist John Joe Nevin is returning to the boxing ring and joining the fight against suicide for Pieta House in the coming weeks. The silver medallist is taking part in the Croker Clash Charity Fight night in aid of the suicide crisis centre. The event, which takes place on Friday, October 12, will see Nevin take to the ring alongside Jim Rock, aka The Pink Panther, and Paul Dunne. It also sees brave beginners get into the ring for the first time after just a few
weeks of training. Now in its third year, the event is organised by Mountjoy prison officers Helen Feeney and Paul Dunne, who are both stalwarts of the Irish boxing scene. Past events have attracted crowds of up to 500 people, and they are aiming to sell 1,000 tickets for this year’s Croker Clash. “Following the success of our Olympians in London we decided to go all out and hold the charity fight night in Croke Park this year,” said Helen Feeney. “Boxing is one of the most high-profile sports in Ireland at the moment
so we hope that this event will be a massive success, raising lots of much-needed funds for Pieta House. “Seeing Joan Freeman win her People of the Year Award last year showed me how one person can change the lives of so many, and I hope that The Croker Clash will be a big help in Pieta House’s fight against suicide,” she said. Already confirmed to attend the night is Jimmy Magee, Michael Carruth, Stephen and Alan Reynolds. “I’m really excited that so many stalwarts of the Irish boxing scene have
pledged their support for The Croker Clash,” said Joan Freeman, chief executive and founder of Pieta House. “It’s sure to be a fantastic night and I’d urge everyone to come on down, enjoy the boxing and experience Croke Park in all its glory,” she said. Tickets are on sale now and are available from Ticketmaster at €20 for general admission, €30 for ringside seats. All funds raised on the night will go to Pieta House. For more information on Pieta House, visit www.pieta.ie.
4 October 2012 gazette 13
musical Life story of Tina Turner coming to town
River deep, Bord Gais high for Emi Bairbre Ni Bhraonain
A brand new musical based on the life and times of legendary singer, Tina Turner and her husband Ike, is coming to The Bord Gais Energy Theatre this month and its leading lady, Emi Wakoma is already being hailed as a superstar of the future. The show, entitled Soul Sister, tells the life story of the iconic soul star, but equally fascinating is the life of its lead actor. Emi was born in Nigeria and moved to Britain when she was one, but considers herself a Nigerian woman through and through: “I was only one when I came to England, that’s why I have this dodgy cockney accent but I consider myself a Nigerian woman in terms of my family and culture.” Emi has been getting rave reviews about her performance as Turner, something that she says
she pays little attention to: “I don’t read them, I’ve a job to do. I would think the reviewers were talking about someone else. I’m just waiting for someone to knock on my dressing room door and say ‘You’re not really the girl we wanted’.” Emi compares her own character to the one she plays in Soul Sister: “The similarities lie in the fact that neither of us is conventional. Tina didn’t have a conventional voice and was not conventionally beautiful and neither am I. Like Tina, I was unique and didn’t fit into any boxes. Her difference is seen as a positive thing and something to celebrate.” When asked where the per forming bug came from, Emi said: “I don’t have a clue. I’ve been singing since I was nine years old and my mum bought me The Bodyguard soundtrack album. I used to sing Bodyguard songs
in school all the time. “So my parents, seeing this, sent me to the Brit School [the acclaimed theatrical and musical hotbed that has produced Adele and Jessie J]. “T hen, when they realised I was serious about doing it, they said, ‘Right, if you’re going to do it, do it well’ and sent me to the Guildford School of Acting. “Over the years I’ve done lots of bits of things, I’ve been in Eastenders and Casualty and have done a lot of musicals but this is my first starring role. “I can’t wait to come to Dublin, my friends say it’s great but I’ve never been.” There will be inevitable comparisons to the previous Tina Turner biopic, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, which starred Angela Bassett, but Emi says this is an entirely different approach. “Tina was very upset
fit for life Calling on older Olympians to compete N u r si n g h o m e s across Dublin are expected to take part in a specially organised ‘Olympics’ during Positive Ageing Week. More than 300 Dublin nursing home residents and more than 1,500 throughout Ireland are expected to take part. T he event, r un by exercise specialists Fit for Life, will take place in 17 nursing homes in Co Dublin, and more than 80 nursing homes nationally compared to 22 last year. Compete
Actor and singer Emi Wakoma brings her acclaimed portrayal of soul legend Tina Turner to Dublin in the coming weeks
by that film because she thought it gave her a victim status. It was too one-dimensional in a lot of ways, especially in its portrayal of Ike Turner. He was shown as not a good person but it didn’t delve into the background enough
to find out why Tina stayed with him for such a long time.” Emi dedicates every performance to her late father who died last year. “It’s not upsetting at all, it’s part of life. He got to see me play Tina Turner in the
West End before he died and I’m so glad he did. I’m so grateful to him for bringing me to this country as it turned out to be a blessing.” The show comes to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from October 15 to 20.
Participants will compete in team events such as bowling, magnetic darts, golf and ring toss, with gold, silver and bronze medals awarded to winners. Positive Ageing Week runs until October 6. Speaking ahead of the Fit for Life Olympics, managing director of Fit for Life, Mark Sweeney said: “We here at Fit for Life are committed to improving the quality of life of the older generation. The Fit for Life Olympics are designed to provide our clients with a fun event where their families and nursing home staff can get involved and see the benefits of keeping active.”
14 gazette 4 October 2012
workshop: icons of animation coming to blackrock in october
charity Women’s Aid get a great Deal CHARITY Women’s Aid received over €33,000 last week, after online classified adverts website, DoneDeal, donated the proceeds from money raised during its charity month in August. DoneDeal raised €33,260 for the women’s charity, which provides support and information to women affected by domestic violence. Speaking at the presentation of the funding Margaret Martin, the director of Women’s Aid said: “This fantastic donation from DoneDeal will help us to continue our work to support thousands of women and children in Ireland to live safer, happier lives, free from abuse.”
A grand day out at festival Pink power: Marie Keating Foundation launch their 2012 awareness campaign fair city actresses Rose Henderson and Aoibheann McCaul, accompanied by Linda Keating, were proud to launch the Marie Keating Foundation’s eleventh annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign in Marks & Spencer Grafton Street. Every year, almost 3,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland and the message from the foundation for women of
all ages is Look after your girls, talk to your friends about breast cancer. As proud supporter of the annual Marie Keating Foundation Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Marks & Spencer Ireland will be selling a fantastic selection of pink themed items in-store and online in aid of the foundation throughout October. For more, visit www.mariekeating.ie
Wallace and Gromit are embarking on a new Irish adventure when they arrive to celebrate the second BlackrockAnimation Film Festival later this month. As part of this year’s festival, the plasticine pals will be on hand to help Merlin Crossingham, creative director at Aarman Animations, give a workshop on animation using models. Crossingham will be giving a talk at Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology on his experiences working in stop-motion animation, with Wallace and Gromit among his bestknown work, on Friday, October 12, at 2 pm. Merlin started at Aardman Animations 17 years ago as an apprentice animator and has worked his way up to become a creative director at the awardwinning animation studio. His credits include work on the studio’s successful motion pictures, Chicken Run and The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. Merlin is a firm believer in the special magic of model animation: “It is closer to us. We suspend our disbelief a fraction quicker as if [the figures] existed in reality.” Although this kind of animation is the most laborious, Merlin feels it is worth all the effort. “It takes one animator a day
of work to complete two seconds of animation. So, with 30 animators, it takes about two years to make a feature film. Crossingham will also be giving a workshop on the morning of Saturday, October 13, in the Southside Partnership building in Blackrock. When Merlin was asked if he was worried that Wallace and Gromit might get into a pickle in Ireland, he replied: “Obviously they are very excited. Wallace definitely wants to investigate the cheeses available. He is also talking about a new invention, but it’s top secret! Everyone worries about Wallace, but Gromit will always come to the rescue.” He will also be giving a workshop on the morning of Saturday, October 13, in the Southside Partnership building in Blackrock. Rumour also has it that some of Aardman’s Pirates, from their recent Adventure With Scientists, may try and jump onboard the flight from Bristol to Dublin as stowaways. He will also be giving a workshop on the morning of Saturday, October 13, in the Southside Partnership building in Blackrock. To book a place at the workshop go to www. iloveblackrock.ie for more details.
Merlin Crossingham of Aardman will be a special guest at the Blackrock Animation Festival
4 October 2012 gazette 15
snapshot The stories of the day from around the capital
Make a joyous noise and bid for awards Diary
It’s heads or tails for charity, as Make-AWish Ireland attempts a world record for the biggest number of coins tossed simultaneously. The charity is working in conjunction with Bank of Ireland to attempt the world record at the Aviva Stadium on October 6. The event will be held at half time during the Leinster and Munster rugby match. Everyone seated in the stadium will toss a coin at the same time to break the record. All monies collected go towards helping to grant wishes to children throughout the country aged between three and 17 years. Susan O’Dwyer, chief executive of MakeA-Wish, said: “To do this in the year where we are celebrating 20 years as a charity in
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Talented young musicians across the city are being called on to enter the 2012 Fr Frank Maher Music Awards, which aim to showcase outstanding young musical talent in Ireland. Open to sixth year post-primary students of strings, woodwind, brass and piano, the awards present a bursary of €2,000 to the winner. Seven finalists will be selected from the entries received by the independent adjudication panel and attend a competition night on November 7 in Castleknock College where they will perform in front of an invited audience. The closing date to enter the Fr Frank Maher Music Scholarship Awards is Monday, October 15. Full details, including rules and a copy of the application form, are available on www.topsecurity.ie.
Make-A-Wish make call for coin record
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Raphaela’s PP in Stillorgan at the launch of the 2012 Fr Frank Maher Music awards, Ireland’s largest classical music scholarship for post-primary schools.
Ireland is a great achievement.” For more information log onto www. makeawish.ie
Ich bin ein Oktoberfest supporter THERE is still time to experience the world famous German Oktoberfest as it continues to run at the Dublin Docklands until this Sunday. This is the third, and final weekend of the festival which gives Irish people the chance to experience the authentic Oktoberfest.
Marquees are set up throughout George’s Dock, representative of that in the Munich Oktoberfest. There are also German markets, German food and entertainment. Visitors will be introduced to the very best of Bavarian food and specialties from sausages, meat, pastries, Käse Alm (German mountain cheese) to German candy and gingerbread hearts. The original Bavarian Oktoberfest is almost 200 years old and has been held in Munich, Germany since 1810. The 2012 Oktoberfest runs at the Dublin Docklands until October 7. For further information, log onto www.oktoberfest-dublin.de
Got a story? Tell us about Your local event, Celebration Or Function Call our news team on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com
16 gazette 4 October 2012
Gazettemusic review: the princes of pastoral pop clear the tricky second album hurdle
Mumfords muster more magic Rob Heigh
That most worn out of phrases in the music critic’s canon, the “difficult second album”, is one that is incredibly hard to quantify. Difficult how? If you are Oasis, you’ve enough in the bank to follow Definitely Maybe with their other good album, What’s The Story Morning Glory? If you’re The Stone Roses, you head off into the wilderness with bags of dubious substances, more ego-inf lating reviews than most acts garner in a lifetime, and implode spectacularly, producing the occasionally mesmerising Second Coming...
If you’re Mumford and Sons... well, you do something else entirely. Which is go out on tour, write and road-test all your new numbers in front of massive audiences worldwide as your currency explodes on the back of your horrifically catchy sing-along first album. Then come up with the genius move of employing Arcade Fire producer Markus Dravs to bring all the dynamism and frenzy of your live shows to the studio and, hey presto, here’s Babel. If you were expecting a complete about-face, you’re certainly going to be disappointed. In the same vein as Muse have adopted on their new
release, The 2nd Law, M&S have gone for a straightforward answer to the inevitable question, “what does it sound like?” And that answer is, “A lot like the last one, only more so.” No dubstep reinvention, no guest raps. no cover of Gangam Style... Which is not that disappointing, really, when the songs are as strong and the melodies as magnetic as those that appear on these 12 tracks. Like Sigh No More, the songs are again clearly delineated into “the quiet ones” and “the loud ones”; this time, however, notably absent of the shot-through mel-
Marcus Mumford and chums reveal their plan for world domination
ancholy that bubbled under the surface of their debut release. There is far from a sense of fun at play in the lyrical concerns of sin and salvation, but there is a confidence and clarity in the songs that
they have been infused with by constantly being refined on stage night after night. There is more ambient depth to the record, too, with the sense that you have just walked in on the band mid-hoedown
in a cabin somewhere, the piano rocking and the banjo being picked within an inch of its life. The frenzied tracks bounce like a festival crowd and the slower reflections are perfectly paced so as not to be
maudlin. If it feels at all calculating, it is, but only by virtue of the fact that this is a band who’ve found their groove and there is no reason for them to plough another furrow.
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4 October 2012 Gazette III
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4 October 2012 Gazette V
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4 October 2012 Gazette VII
4 October 2012 GAZETTE 25
GazetteBEAUTY Brushing up on Holly’s top tips for terrific teeth Edited by Laura Webb
S
HE has envious curves, a top presenting job and still manages to be a super mum – now, on top of all this, Holly Willoughby has become the new face of Oral-B’s premium beauty product, 3D White toothpaste. In this week’s Gazette Beauty, we hear all about her new role, her beauty regime, and how she manages juggling a career with family life. How do you feel about being chosen as the new face of Oral-B? I would never work with a brand I didn’t trust, and Oral-B, for me, is a brand that I am happy to be working with and have in my home for the whole family to use. I have learnt all there is to know about teeth and oral care, and I’m very proud to be working with Oral-B. How do you fit 3D White toothpaste into your beauty regime? During the week I’m pretty busy. I literally get up, have a shower, brush my teeth with 3D White toothpaste and whizz off on the motorbike to the TV studio. It’s impor tant my smile looks good as I’m constantly talking on TV during interviews. I use it with my Oral-B TriZone power brush, which is so easy to use. It feels like a manual toothbrush, but with lots of power behind it. No fuss or hassle – perfect. What are your top beauty tips for busy mums? • Use a tinted moisturiser – then, you can just whack it on – time is of the essence – also, curl your eyelashes. • Heat your eyelash curlers with a hair dryer
before using them, for a really bouncy lash. • Make sure you floss your teeth. You can have a great face with makeup, but if you have stains in between your teeth from not flossing, your smile won’t look as good as your look. • Dry shampoo is a great beauty product to save a bit of time. It’s also great at getting a nice, beachy look to your hair. • Eyeliner in the waterline of your upper lid – it makes your eyes look as if you’ve done full-blown make-up, but without spending any time on it. What’s your usual beauty routine while you are filming? Luckily, I have a makeup artist, so I don’t need to do make-up myself! I don’t put any on before I go to the studio, just a little bit of moisturiser when I’ve hopped out of the shower. In the morning, before I leave for work (at 7.30am), I use Liz Earle in the shower, and then brush with Oral-B 3D White toothpaste to make sure my smile is on form. What are your top tips for looking good on camera? Two big things for me – blow-dry and false lashes – but natural looking ones. And I just use one pair, as I’m not one for layering on false lashes; they weigh my eyes down. My hair stylist gives me a “power blow dry”, and that lasts me a couple of days. Who is your natural beauty icon, and why? I think Scarlett Johansson is so beautiful. Her look is really effortless, and she just exudes this beautiful confidence.
She’s got a really classic, naturally beautiful look.
Camouflage your skin’s blemishes
What beauty products can’t you live without? Oral-B 3D W hite toothpaste, as this has really become part of my daily beauty routine. I love having natural, whiter-looking teeth. Plus, it looks and tastes great too. And, then, my eyelash curlers! What’s the best tip you’ve picked up from your styling team? Follow the eyeline of your natural lash when applying false eye lashes. They’re very tricky to put on so, when you’ve mastered it, using that tip, you’ll nail it. Also, when you dry your hair, before it cools down, fix it with a pin in the shape of the curl, then do your make up. This helps set the curls.
As the new public face of Oral-B’s 3D White toothpaste, TV presenter Holly Willoughby has plenty
What’s the best beauty tip you learned from your mother? Always wear a little bit of lipstick. It took me a long time to agree with this, but this was probably because of my mum’s choice of colours! The right colour lipstick definitely lifts your make-up, and it’s great that there’s all these bright lippies that are in fashion now to choose from. What do you do to stay in shape? Not a lot, because of time. If I didn’t have a family, I’d probably do more, but I prefer to do active things with my family. Walking with the kids and Dan, and generally being an active mum, helps me stay in shape. How do you juggle a busy work schedule with
to smile about (above), with her gleaming teeth to the fore in this stunning beauty shot (right)
being a mum and looking so glamorous? I don’t look glamorous at the weekend! I have my hair and make-up done in the week, so that is very fortunate, but when I’m not at work I’m very au natural. I just put my hair up and wear minimal makeup – like most mums, I suppose! Oral-B TriZone is available nationwide in the following variants: Trizone 600, TriZone 1000, Trizone 3000, Trizone 5000. Pricing starts from €66.49. Oral-B 3D white toothpaste is available now in supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide, with a RRP of €4.65/75ml.
Oral-B 3D toothpaste is available now, priced €4.65
CAMOUFLAGE imperfections and blemishes with Dr Hauschka’s Pure Care Cover Stick’s newest colour (above). Available in three shades, this nurturing spot concealer provides harmonising care for blemished skin, while concealing skin impurities and helping to clear up the complexion. The new Pure Care Cover Stick 03 Sand is especially suitable for medium to dark skin tones. With their pleasantly cool and woody fragrance, the cover sticks complement the Dr Hauschka line of balancing care products for blemished skin. Pure Care Cover Stick works best when used at the first sign of a blemish. The product should match the skin tone, and be gently blended. Afterwards, make-up can be applied as usual. Cleansing tea tree and manuka oils, combined with extracts of kidney vetch and calendula, work to support the healing process – which facilitates the quick disappearance of skin impurities. The skin care range is stocked in selected health stores, pharmacies, all Life pharmacies, McCabes@ Clery’s, Avoca and Harvey Nichols. For details of your nearest stockist, see www.drhauschkaireland.ie.
26 GAZETTE 4 October 2012
GazetteBUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Clodagh Bury, owner and director of Slim4Life across the city MAKING SOME SAVINGS... THESE days everybody is trying to payless tax and sometimes the way to do this is actually staring us in the face! Knowing what you can claim is the secret to legally paying less tax. In this article the first of a series of articles on how to pay less tax Cathal Maxwell highlights one particular claim that is often overlooked by PAYE earners. Tax relief for medical insurance is allowed at source by the insurance company and because it’s no longer claimable through your tax return form most people forget about it. But what happens when your employer pays your annual medical insurance bill or a part of it on your behalf? The Revenue have put the onus on employers to tax the payment of your medical insurance bill as a benefit in kind (BIK) when they are paying the bill for you. If you pay tax at 41% your BIK tax will be at 41% on the amount of your gross annual medical insurance bill. The employer has to give back to the Revenue the 20% tax relief allowed at source by the medical insurance company. However, the individual employee is then entitled to claim the 20% personal tax relief back from the Revenue and this final step in the process is what many employees forget (because nobody tells them to!). How much is it worth? Let’s look at an example. In 2011 Mr Smart’s annual medical insurance costs €3,000 gross. His employer pays this on his behalf. IncomeTax Due As Benefit-In-Kind: Collected through PAYE Tax Relief On Premium at 20% Must be claimed from Tax Office
*€1,230
€600
*Assume tax payable at 41% and ignoring PRSI In this example Mr Smart was due back €600 from the Revenue for the tax year 2011 that he never knew about. If his employer paid his medical insurance for the past number of years the refund due could be even bigger. Claims for the last four tax years can now be made so Mr Smart could be due a total refund of €2,400. A nice simple way to pay less tax! Cathal Maxwell, FCA, AITI,QFA, taxation con-
sultant, representing paylesstax.ie
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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240
Getting the skinny on slimming trade CLODAGH Bury has been working in the slimming industry for the last 10 years, and is the owner and director of Slim4Life, a slimming club that she set up in 2010. She spoke to GazetteBusiness about setting up her business and the appeal of helping people lose weight. “Working in the slimming industry has given me enormous pleasure. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing our members losing weight and the joy on their faces when they see their weight going down. “I decided two years ago that I wanted to be part of a slimming agency that everyone could afford, where they didn’t have to pay big joining fees and no missedweek penalty. I wanted it to have a warm club atmosphere and not just a weigh-in service, so I decided to open my own club, and called it Slim4Life. We have a no-nonsense programme called the food pyramid and it brings us back to basics. “In the two years since I opened Slim4life, it has has gone from strength to strength. There are now 44 clubs, and a lot of success stories. We have members that have lost over five stone, and their comments are fantastic. Long may Slim4Life continue to grow!” For more information on your local Clodagh Bury of Slim4Life: “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our members losing weight and the joy on their faces.” club, contact Clodagh on 087 902 5150.
Q&A Q: How long have you been in business? A: I’ve been in business for myself for two years
Q: What makes your business successful? A: We are a family business and look after our clients as if they were a part of our family.
Q: What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors? A: The directors are hands on at our clubs, they also compose and send two motivational texts to each member of our 40 clubs each week, We are the only Irish-based slimming company which is not franchised from the UK or America
Q: How has the recession impacted your business? A: We are down 15% on our
members but holding steady
Q: What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession? A: I personally ring each member who has not attended their club after three weeks. We offer free recipes each week and charge a very basic entry fee and still do at €6 with no joining fee or missed week unlike any of our competitors.
Q: What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business? A: More money being made accessible to new business ventures.
Q: How do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin, etc) to help your business? A: We promote new clubs on Facebook, and it’s a great
way to create business awareness.
Dublin restaurant? A: The Merrion Restaurant.
Q: What is your ambition for the business? A: To grow and be available
Q: Who would your three dream dinner guests be and why? A: Danny O’Donahue,
in each of the 32 counties, and then move to Britain and then the rest of the world.
Q: What is the best piece of business advice you ever received? A: Speculate to accumulate, and make sure each member is given special treatment.
Q: What is your favourite thing about doing business in your local area? A: It gives me great job satisfaction serving my neighbours and making new friends.
Q: What living person do you most admire? A: My mother. Q: What is your favourite
Danny O’Donahue, Danny O’Donahue, because he is a brilliant song writer and singer, just happens he is gorgeous, available and Irish.
Q: What is your most treasured possession? A: The house I live in because it is my grandmother’s, and it has lots of memories.
Q: What is the worst job you’ve ever had? A: Picking strawberries on summer holidays.
Q: You are on death row, what is your last meal? A: Fillet steak, onions, mushrooms and thick-cut chips.
4 October 2012 gazette 27
Gazettehomes efficiency measures: how to think about your energy bills as costs increase
Generating a new age for homes gerhard heyl
“Money saver”, “special offer”, “discount”... Terms that we might have ignored a few years ago if we saw them on a billboard, but not in today’s climate. We are all trying to economise and run our households with altered budgets. We shop around for the best value in groceries, clothing and entertainment, but what about your electricity costs? I’m sure I’m not the only one patrolling the house after dark, turning off lights and keeping an eagle eye on the immersion. I’m just glad we don’t have an electric shower as I think I’d be tempted to keep a stop watch running so the kids don’t spend too long in there! Over the last few years white goods and domestic appliances have become more energy efficient. You will have noticed the
huge array of choice available now. When we go to replace an old or broken appliance, it’s not just the shape and size of a machine we look at, but the”‘rating” attached to it. How much electricity does it consume and how much will it cost to run? There is a saving to be made in theory by outlaying an initial investment and upgrading white goods to triple A rated appliances and bulbs to energy efficient models. Your household equipment will be more energy efficient and you will consume less electricity, ergo a drop in your bill. But, how realistic is this in practice? We have seen a gradual increase in the cost of electricity and any savings made by upgrading small domestic appliances are at risk of being eroded by rising electricity costs.
Your consumption may well be lower, but you won’t recoup your initial sizable investment on new appliances. The drive to reduce our bills becomes a vicious cycle, we strive to make our homes as efficient as possible, we turn off lights, invest in the latest energy efficient technology and in the blink of an eye, all our investment is for naught as the unit charge on our bill simply rises again and the whole cycle starts over. If you look at it logically, the solution is clear. The only true safeguard you can have is to be in control of your own electricity generation and supply. If you can power your own home you are not at the whim of the electricity company’s latest price hike. Micro-generation can help you get there. The ability to generation a reliable, clean, free source of electricity for
your home is the way forward. Renewable solutions like photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are a cost effective way to ensure you can be in charge of your electricity costs for the next 30 years or more. These lightweight, quality panels can be installed in a day and are extremely cost effective. The PV panels are surface mounted on your roof so even if you move house, you can take them with you, making them an ideal solution for the domestic and commercial market alike. Gerhard Heyl is the managing director of established building contracting firm HSLC. In a new venture launching this autumn, Gerhard will be rolling out a programme of PV installations. See www.pvgreenenergysavings.ie for more information. Or call Gerhard on 087 774 9470/041 98 88960 , or email: info@greenenergysavings.ie
Photovoltaic cells may be one method of making some energy savings
28 GAZETTE 4 October 2012
GazetteMOTORS RoadSigns Mazda CX-5 gets a What Car? Trophy EARLIER this year, before its Irish launch, the Mazda CX-5 crossover was featured on the Gazette motoring pages when it was released in Vienna. The all-new vehicle has added the What Car? Green SUV 2012 title to its trophy cabinet. “The Mazda CX-5 offers an extraordinary amount of car for the price,” said What Car? editor-in-chief Chas Hallett at the awards ceremony held at The Imagination Gallery in London last month. “As well as great fuel economy and low emissions, it has loads of standard equipment, plenty of passenger space and an elevated seating position. The flexible seating can also be folded flat in a second for easy loading.” Keep an eye on the Gazette motoring pages for a full review in the coming weeks. Today’s Beetle transfers the styling of the original Beetle and the 1998 new Beetle into a sportier, more masculine era
The Mazda CX-5
SKODA OFFERS A CHANCE TO JOIN THEIR CLUB: SKODA is all about quality and value and the new My Skoda Loyalty Programme has just been launched which offers Skoda owners the chance to be part of a very exclusive club. The My Skoda Loyalty Programme is about one thing – rewarding Skoda owners for their loyalty. Skoda have developed a plan so that Skoda owners can visit their local authorized retailer and enjoy fantastic rewards. The My Skoda Loyalty Programme is now available for free to all new and existing Skoda drivers. Taking the form of a card, which owners can apply for by visiting www.mySkoda.
ie/join, the card offers Skoda drivers a wide range of benefits, including free vehicle health checks and discounts on vehicle services at their local Skoda retailer. It also provides them with access to exclusive dining, travel, and shopping offers, designed to deliver an even more rewarding experience to customers. My Skoda Loyalty Card also allows Skoda drivers to earn points with each service at their local Skoda retailer. The points are then redeemable against the purchase of a new car. All Skoda motorists can request a My Skoda Loyalty Card by registering online at www.mySkoda.ie/join or at Skoda retailers nationwide.
VW launches a new 21st century Beetle VOLKSWAGEN Ireland has launched the 21st century Beetle into a market breathless with anticipation. One of the three most successful cars ever sold, selling 21.5 million units (first generation). The Beetle is the symbol of the Volkswagen brand. It links the emotional heritage of the “Original Volkswagen” to the future of Volkswagen. With excellent product characteristics, the 21st century Beetle has shed its niche vehicle tag and rekindled the spirit of the “people’s car” by providing an emotional, sporty and practical everyday driving experience starting from €19,995. More affordable and more accessible to a new generation of motorists compared with many of the cars in its class, this third-generation model will appeal to the Irish
public to fall in love with an automotive icon all over again. Today’s Beetle transfers the styling of the original Beetle and the 1998 new Beetle into a sportier, more masculine era. Following the design DNA of the Volkswagen brand, the 21st Century Beetle demonstrates this through its styling lines, extended bonnet, sharply swept back windscreen and longer wheelbase. Commenting on the vehicle, John Donegan, brand director of Volkswagen Ireland, said: “Irish motorists have always had affection for the Beetle and we believe this third generation model will set pulses racing amongst hardcore Beetle aficionados and with a new crop of Beetle lovers. The Beetle has always held a special relationship with Ireland, this unique relationship
can be traced right back to the fact that the first ever Beetle assembled outside of Germany took place on the Shelbourne Road in Dublin. “From the 50s right up to the late 70s, Beetles were assembled in Ireland and this coincided with the car’s most popular era both as a symbol of counter culture and then more mainstream thanks to the adventures of Herbie.” The new Beetle offers plenty of space for four and lots of luggage. The boot can handle up to 905 litres of space, there is the option of a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof and music lovers can opt for a 400-watt Fender sound system – recently named audio system of the year in the USA. Premium optional features also include Bluetooth technology, keyless access with push-button
start, leather seating surfaces and BI-XENON headlights and LED daytime running lights. Under the bonnet, new to the range will be a 1.6-litre 105bhp diesel engine with emissions of just 113g/km, capable of 1,279km on a single tank, enough to travel from Dublin, to Cork, to Galway, to Belfast, to Dublin and back to Cork again! For those looking for a little more aggression from their Beetle there is the superb 1.4 TSI – a twin charger. The 160bhp petrol engine is twin charged by a turbocharger and a supercharger, allowing blistering performance of 0-100km/h in just 8.3 seconds yet real-world fuel economy of 6.2 l.100km and CO2 emissions of 143g/km. The range starts with a 1.2 105bhp TSI engine with emissions of 129g/ km and capable of return-
ing 5.61 l/100km for just €19,995. The 1.6-litre 105bhp TDI diesel starts from €21,995 and the 1.4-litre TSI twin charger with 160bhp starts from €26,320. At the top of the range is the 2.0-litre TDi 140bhp diesel, which still has low emissions of just 129/km, this starts at €27,805. The 1.2-litre TSI, 1.6-litre TDI, 1.4-litre TSI and 2.0-litre are all available with the excellent DSG double-clutch gearbox. John Donegan concludes: “For all intents and purposes the Beetle has grown up. All that was eye-catching about the icon has been retained and refined with cutting edge modern driving technology. Now we have an agile, driver-orientated coupe that offers exceptional features and premium options, all at very competitive pricing.”
4 October 2012 gazette 29
Edited by Cormac Curtis
safety: tomtom helps keeps hands on the wheel
Get a handsfree kit for your phone Tr a d i t i o n a lly, motorists had very few options when it came to good hands-free kits for their mobile phones. Especially modern smart phones. The best kits tended to be of the built-in variety, and they brought their own set of frustrations when it came to two-car families, or indeed people like myself, who drive different cars almost every week. There is now a real leap forward in mobile phone hands-free kits for smart phones in the shape of TomTom’s Hands Free Car Kit for smartphones. This kit is easily mounted, secures in seconds and moves from one car to another with great ease. It features the highest quality audio for loud and clear hands-free calling and navigation. The new car kit features an advanced noise and echo cancellation system, which dramatically reduces background noise for the caller and removes ambient noise for the driver. New mounting options make smartphone use on the move safer and more convenient. The newly designed car kit has an adjustable grip to fit any smartphone with or without its cover. An extendable microphone can be
clipped to the sun visor to ensure conversations are louder and clearer. “The new car kit has been designed for safety and convenience,” said Corinne Vigreux, of TomTom. “With fantastic audio quality and new mounting options, we are making it easier and safer for drivers to make calls and use navigation applications on the move. With advanced new features, our aim is to help drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.” The TomTom Hands Free Car Kit comes in two versions to support iPhone and micro USB compatible smartphones such as Android phones with the possibility to automatically pair two mobile devices simultaneously. When connected via Bluetooth, voice recognition functionality can be activated; enabling drivers to navigate and dial without taking their hands from the wheel. The TomTom HandsFree Car Kit for iPhone or Smartphone is available in selected retail stores and from the www.tomtom.com\smartphone and priced at €99.95. The TomTom HandsFree Car Kit for iPhone with Western EU navigation app is priced at €149.95
RoadSigns
The Land Rover Double Cab Pick-up
2012 Paris Motor Show celebrates Bond … James Bond
TomTom’s Hands Free Car Kit for smartphones has an adjustable grip to fit any smartphone with or without its cover
The hands-free car kit offers drivers: Sound boost – An in-built 2 watt speaker means that drivers can hear hands-free calls and navigation instructions loud and clear. Extendable microphone – The microphone can be brought closer to the driver for clearer conversations. Noise and echo cancellation – Cancels out background noise so drivers can have even clearer conversations. Dual phone connection – Connects two phones simultaneously. Fast charging – Fast charges the driver’s phone on the go.
Dual mounting system – Drivers can choose to mount their device on the dashboard or the windscreen. It includes a self-adhesive disc that allows use of the suction mount on the dash or centre console.
Voice menu and spoken instructions – Drivers can connect their phone easily using the voice menu and spoken instructions.
Easy-reach answer and reject buttons – Answer and reject calls, even when the phone isn’t mounted.
Last weekend, Jaguar Land Rover celebrated 50 years of James Bond at the 2012 Paris Motor show by displaying one of the Land Rover Defenders used in Albert R. Broccoli’s upcoming release, Skyfall. The motor show welcomed the Double Cab Pick-up, driven in the opening sequence by field agent Eve (played by Naomie Harris). Jaguar Land Rover provided a total of 77 vehicles to the Skyfall production, including the Land Rover Defender, Range Rover and Jaguar XJ for use both on-screen and as production support vehicles. Speaking at Pinewood Studios, where Bond was filmed, co-producer Andrew Noakes, a veteran of 11 James Bond films, said: “Bond is quintessentially British and Jaguar and Land Rover are two of the most established and globally recognised British brands, so it was a natural step for us to involve them in the film.” Alongside Daniel Craig as James Bond, the cast includes: Dame Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Bérénice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Albert Finney. Global brand director for Land Rover John Edwards said: “Land Rover is extremely proud to be associated with the new James Bond film Skyfall. The iconic Land Rover Defender is recognised around the world for its rugged appeal and the Range Rover is the pinnacle of SUV luxury and capability. Both vehicles are renowned as examples of excellence in British design and engineering.” Adrian Hallmark, global brand director for Jaguar, said: “The Jaguar XJ is the most advanced technological vehicle that Jaguar currently produces. Constructed out of aluminium, its chassis is lightweight yet immensely strong allowing the car to blend responsive handling with effortless cruising over long distances. The XJ benefits from the very latest generation of entertainment and comfort technologies, and together with its award winning design, creates a unique combination of luxury, technology and performance which is unparalleled.”
30 gazette 4 October 2012
GazetteTravel FastTravel Loosening up and chilling out at this heavenly spa Shake off the winter blues with a quick sunshine break to the Mediterranean sun and sea
AFTER a disappointing Irish “summer” and the return to school well of of the way, now is the perfect time to plan a quick sunshine break. There’s nothing like looking forward to a bit of Mediterranean warmth to shake off the winter blues! Located on Spain’s Costa del Sol, and open all year round, Sunset Beach Club offers the best of both worlds, by combining comfortable accommodation in one-bedroom apartments, with complete hotel services and facilities. This popular four-star resort-hotel is the ideal place to stay, located directly on the seafront of Benalmadena Costa, just 20 minutes from Malaga airport (taxi transfer costs approximately €28).
n jessica maile
A Sunset Beach Club apartment
In fact, if you leave Dublin early morning, you should arrive in plenty of time for lunch, perhaps followed by a Spanish siesta! Sunset Beach Club enjoys a friendly ambience all year round, and their entertainment programme continues in the winter time with daily organised activities for all ages and regular live music in the evenings. Guests can also book an excursion, some golf or a game of bowls through the leisure desk, or if you prefer, why not simply relax with a good book by the pool or on the nearby beach. Sunset Beach Club promises that your winter sun holiday can be as action-packed or relaxed as you wish and is ideal for couples or families alike. A one-bedroom exterior apartment is suitable for up to four persons sharing, with one twin bedroom and one double sofa bed, and the Sunset Beach Club is priced from just €54 per apartment per night. Prices available from November 2012 until March 2013, with additional supplements applied at Easter and New Year. For more information or to book online, visit www.sunsetbeachclub.com. Email booking@ sunsetbeachclub.com or phone +34 952 579.
A view of a golf course and the mountains
SOMETIMES new modern features, such as the M3 motorway, make you realise places like Co Cavan are only a short drive away. And that’s a good thing because it will lead you to the Radisson Blu Farnham Estate Hotel in no time at all! When you are going to visit a Radisson Blu Hotel, you have a certain vision in mind of what you should expect; a gorgeous hotel with plenty of amenities and courteous, helpful staff. And that’s what you get when you enter the gateway to the almost 400-year-old, 1,300-acre Farnham Estate. You could also be mistaken for thinking you have driven back in time, maybe even into a Bronte novel. As you wind your way b e t we e n m a n i c u r e d greens and fairways of the golf course, you realise how large the Farnham Estate really is. In the distance you get the first view of the manor house and then the modern addition whose architecture blends well with the statuesque older building. It is a perfect marriage of future and past. The rooms and facades of the original buildings sit perfectly with the newer features in this 21st century
luxury hotel. Farnham Estate houses such large windows that you never feel far away from nature. There are ancient redwoods, cedar, copper beech and Scots pine, as well as amazing views of Farnham Lake. There are plenty of activities at the Farnham Estate to suit everyone’s tastes. Whilst cycling, walking and golf are attractive pursuits to consider, my weekend was all about the spa. Before I got myself ready for an evening of dinner and drinks, I thought it was best to take time to slowly unwind and try all the facilities available.
Oasis T he Radisson Blu Farnham Estate is one of Ireland’s most popular spa retreats and I certainly found out why! It’s an oasis set in the heart of the hotel. After a relaxing and healthy lunch in the spa’s Pear Tree restaurant, I made my way to an impressive choice of thermal suites and aroma steam baths to let my aches and pains disappear into the mist and steam. I sampled the Aroma Steam Bath, the drier heat of the Finnish sauna and the gentle heat of the Laconium. For a break from the
heat, the Snail showers and ice fountain allowed me to freshen up and keep cool. Finally, it was time for the Infinity swimming pool. This cleverly designed hydro swimming pool has so many features made just for me, from floating around in the warmth of the pool, to sitting down as the spa bubbles loosened my shoulders even more. There is something quite wonderful about swimming out through a small gap in the large window and finding yourself swimming outside in the open air. The smooth transition from an indoor to an outdoor pool is quite amazing. There are very few times in your life when you can get in a pool, make your way outside to look out at an amazingly lush countryside and then swim right back in again. When the rain decided to drop, it only added to the experience. The warmth of the water kept me comfortable as the freshness of the outside air invigorated my senses. After a perfect day unwinding, the evening promised to be very entertaining yet still relaxing. The soft hum of conversation from my fellow guests made
for pleasant listening as we settled down for our evening meal in the Botanica Restaurant. The deconstructed Caesar salad washed down with a glass of wine, began a night of gourmet treats. It was hard to choose from the menu as the fillet of Irish beef looked so appetising, but, in the end, the rump of Irish lamb won my heart. My literacy skills cannot do the lamb, slowbraised shoulder pie and minted pea any justice, only that you have to try it for yourself. Romantic
With a satisfied belly, it was time to retire to the bar. And with this being the Farnham Estate, it was far from ordinary. The Wine Goose Cellar is a cavernous place. While couples huddled together in romantic snugs, groups enjoyed themselves around large, long tables. T he sense of history returned as the bar’s brick vaulted ceilings had a history all to themselves. The joyful live music from the band wafted through the air in this unique cellar bar. The dim lights and the relaxed atmosphere gave me the chance to relax and enjoy a few drinks before that big, soft bed in my luxurious room
A reception room at the
called. When I did settle down for the night, it was really for the night. It might not seem like a huge deal, but an uninterrupted sleep in a hotel room is not easy to come by and is crucial when you crave total relaxation. Guests were very considerate and there were no late night antics out in the hallways. Relaxation
A f ter an excellent night’s sleep, I devoured my scrumptious breakfast that was delivered right to my door and then made my way back to the spa for my beauty treatments. My two hours in the spa were nothing short of heaven. The staff were very welcoming and took the time to learn about my skin and my lifestyle habits and explained which treatments suited
4 October 2012 swords gazette 31
Edited by Natalie Burke
TravelBriefs Atlantis The Palm Hotel and Resort
Immerse yourself in sumptuous sophisticated delights of Dubai FROM desert oases, unspoiled beaches, camel races to top-class shopping, avant-garde architecture and cuisine, Dubai has more than enough to satisfy travellers. Spend five nights B&B in the five-star Atlantis The Palm from just €1,099 per person. Immerse yourself in the water themed amusements, extensive fresh and salt-water pools and lagoon exhibits, luxury boutiques and an endless stretch of beach. The price includes return flights leaving Dublin on November 24, 2012, accommodation and taxes and charges. Prices are based on two adults and one child. From €1,539 per person, spend four nights at the five-star The Palace at the One and Only Royal Mirage, on a B&B basis which is set on its own private beach, with waterfalls, gardens and Arabian Palace style rooms. Travelling from Dublin on March 2, 2013. The price includes flights, accommodation, taxes and charges based on two adults sharing. Please visit www.travelmood.ie, or phone 01-4331020.
Radisson Blu Farnham Estate Hotel in Co Cavan
my needs. I enjoyed the 120 minute Secret de Beaute, which included a full body exfoliation treatment, a Yon’ka Hydralessence facial and nourishing foot mask. Did I say it was heaven? I have been to my share of spas, but my two hours there were some of the best, ever. It does live up to its title of one of Ireland’s top spa retreats. After my spa experience, I could have easily drifted back to my room for a nap and I found myself wishing I could stay just one more night! Overnight stays begin from €199 per room, bed and breakfast. For reservations or for further details and to book treatments and packages in the health spa, please contact the spa on 049 4377700 or email info.farnham@ radissonblu.com.
The impressive exterior of the Radisson Blu Farnham Estate Hotel
A thermal suite area in the spa
A bedroom suite at the hotel
The outdoor part of the Infinity pool on the estate
32 SWORDS GAZETTE 4 October 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Darren Shan
THERE’S plenty of life in the zombie genre for children, so to speak, with popular author Darren Shan providing plenty of spooky chills in his latest book, Zom-B. Suitable for children aged 11 and up, Darren will star at a guest discussion of his latest work at the Pavilion on Saturday, October 6, as part of the DLR Library Voices Series. Staged as part of the DLR Children’s Book Festival, children are invited to come along at 2pm, with tickets priced at €5.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Cause & Effect
IF YOU’VE ever wanted to help decide a show’s outcome – this is for you, with Cause & Effect relying heavily on audience interaction to bring its zany improv art to life. The first half of the show will see an audience member become a key character, while the second half will see the Herewego Theatre cast act out the audience’s chosen characters, where anything could happen! Catch Cause & Effect nightly at 8.15pm this Friday, October 5 and Saturday, October 6, with tickets priced at €10/€12.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 The Brendan Boyer Show
THE legendary Bredan Boyer needs no introduction to his many showband music fans, with the legacy of the singer to the fore in this concert’s celebration of his music. The man who invited the world to “do the Hucklebuck” invites you to help celebrate the very best of his showband hits, with his inimitable songs sure to delight fans. Billed as a concert show of pure nostalgia, catch Brendan and his band, and a special guest, on Sunday, October 7 at 8pm, with tickets priced at €25/€23 conc.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Underage Band Nights
CONTINUING its series of giving young musicians and bands the chance to get out there and show what they can do, Draiocht is set to host another in its popular Underage Band Nights. With the aim of highlighting and promoting the talents of under-18 musicians and singers, as well as showcasing their talents to friends, family and other aspiring musicians, the night is set to be a great showcase of some up-and-coming talents. Catch the acts on Friday, October 5 at 7.30pm, with tickets priced at €5.
Although, of course, Mavis (Gomez) likes hanging out with dad-cula (Sandler), she’s something of a bored ghoul, hanging out with a bunch of lifeless monsters at the family’s otherworldly hotel in Transylvania. When some fresh blood arrives (courtesy of a lost American backpacker), the Count gets his cape in a twist, trying to cope with the annoying human’s habits – and, more worryingly, Mavis’ interest to leave home ...
Little ghoul grows up Dads will sympathise with Dracula’s over-protective nature as his little darling (age: 118) wants to leave home ROB HEIGH
REVIEWING movies can be a fangless task. It’s all about avoiding the howlers and picking through the grotesque and bizarre to find something not monstrous that will appeal to all GazetteMovies fans ... Adam Sandler is responsible for some hilarious comedies over the years, but also some of the worst things committed to the silver screen in living memory. Fortunately, Hotel Transylvania , which has been in gestation for some six years, focuses on the things that he was the best at at the start of his career – the story, and the funny. The story is straightforward enough – Count Dracula has created a
FILM OF THE WEEK: Hotel Translyvania (PG) 91 mins Director: Genndy Tartakovsky Starring: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Steve Buscemi, CeeLo Green, Kevin James, Andy Samberg, stock Hollywood monsters Not starring: Sesame Street’s Count, sadly
OUR VERDICT:
DRAC’S back – and his latest bite at the big screen sees him starring alongside his little-known daughter, err, Mavis. From here, it’s an interesting take of what life’s like as a “monster”, with Hotel Transylvania providing a welcome respite from pesky humans with pitchforks and so on. Not exactly the freshest premise, there’s still plenty here to sink your teeth into ...
hotel/sanctuary for all the ghouls and monsters familiar to anyone who loves the horror genre – Frankenstein’s monster and his Bride, the Wolfman, the Mummy, Quasimodo, and so on – when they have had enough of the human world. It’s also a playground for his beloved little girl, Mavis, who is growing up and is keen to escape the shackles of home and go off into the world. So, when Jonathan,
an archetypal American backpacker, thinks he’s arrived at an out of the way hostel, and Mavis falls for him, Drac’s plans to hang onto his little girl a little while longer start to go awry. There is a fine pedigree of talent behind the microphones, and behind the scenes. The voice talent here, led by Sandler, includes David Spade, Steve Buscemi, Jon Lovitz, Andy Samberg and Selina Gomez, hav-
ing a ball with the script from comedy veterans Robert Smigel (Saturday Night Live, The Wedding Singer) and Peter Baynham (Borat, Arthur Christmas). Overseeing it all is animation hero Genndy Tartorofsky – a name you might not know, but you will know his work if you’ve been near a TV screen on a Saturday morning in the last decade or so, thanks to his iconic work on The Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack and Dexter’s Laboratory. Although the movie is stylistically light years away from his unique 2D style, there is still a playful and iconic style to the design. The hugely inflated expectations of modern audiences can leave you let down by a lot of mov-
ies – ParaNorman, for example, proved to be less than the sum of its parts, and was a bit of a disappointment. Perhaps we’ve been spoiled by the high standards of Pixar, and the sophistication of young audiences has pushed the bar higher still. But, fortunately, Hotel Transylvania takes a premise full of promise and runs with it. With gags a-plenty using the tropes of the horror characters, who choose to take a break from the human realm in the Count’s getaway location, as well as a solid tale about the relationship between parents and their children, the movie tells a good story well and has fun with it along the way. Go and see this movie – you can fang me later.
4 October 2012 SWORDS Gazette 33
GazetteGaming Bytesandpieces Almost 100 staff lose Dublin jobs
The just-released PlayStation 3 Slim is certainly a stylish-looking beast, with its eye-catching design, coupled with some aggressive
UNFORTUNATELY, as previously reported, games developer PopCap have indeed decided to close their Dublin offices, with 96 layoffs resulting from the restructuring decision. Although Ireland continues to see some inward investment from certain wings of interested games developers and publishers – just look to Electronic Arts’ recent announcement of a lot of new jobs for its Galway support centre – it’s still terrible news for those affected. For all of its worth, the gaming sector has always been particularly uncertain at the best of times. However, PopCap are providing support for those at its Dublin studio, so best of luck to everyone affected there in moving on to something else.
storage options (to maximise Sony’s intention of making the PS3 a key all-round home entertainment system) more than capable of seeing it land in even more homes around the key autumn/winter, and Christmas, periods
A Slim success for Sony shane dillon
IT’S been a while since I had anything on Sony, so, as a non-partisan gamer, I feel obliged to tug my forelock and offer an apology. I tend to cover more X b o x- r e l a t e d s t u f f because, frankly, it’s easier for me to preview and access that content, but, of course, both consoles, and companies, offer excellent choice for gamers. They both have their own strengths – and weaknesses – with excellent platform-specific titles and franchises that make it impossible to say which is a “better” platform for gamers. You may as well try debating whether apples or bananas are the “better” fruit. Sony is in the same
--------------------------
‘The PS3 recently had a facelift, with a smaller and slimmer model (with a gorgeous design) just released’
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boat as Microsoft at the moment – both are sitting at opposite ends, avoiding eye contact, while they bide their time for just a little while longer, as the run-up to Christmas, and early 2013, sees some terrific titles available jointly, or exclusively, for each console. Perhaps aware that the PlayStation 3 isn’t quite a spring chicken any
more, with its sixth birthday around the corner, and with the continuing march of manufacturing and computing developments, the PS3 recently had a facelift, with a smaller and slimmer model, the PlayStation 3 Slim (with a gorgeous design) just released, with a 500GB model available, and a 12GB version soon to hit stores. It’s a practical step by Sony, with the PS3 redesign as the Slim something to be relied upon to give a sales bounce, heading into the lucrative – and crucial – Christmas markets, with several strong cards in Sony’s suit yet to be played. While Microsoft get a lot of media coverage through its suites of business and leisure software, and with Nintendo having its strongest media
coverage for some years with the upcoming release of its next console, Sony have obviously put their thinking caps on to reassess how to engage with gamers even further. A redesigned “main” console alone won’t do it, but it’s certainly a help. For example, its recently released handheld hasn’t particularly helped Sony further eat into gaming. I’m not sure who’s buying its Vita handheld, but, personally, after extensive travelling this year, I’ve yet to see just one on the ground in other countries, at airports, and so on. However, aggressive marketing, of the type which once helped to propel Sony from being “just” a technology firm to being indisputably behind the coolest con-
sole – at the time – could help Sony to take back some of the ground that it’s lost in recent years. It shares at least one thing with Microsoft – both seemed unprepared for the surprise explosion in mobile gaming, which has seen people who’d never class themselves as “gamers” having no issue, say, paying €0.79 or €2.39 to download games to their IOS-driven handhelds, or other platforms. The next year should be very interesting for Sony’s gamers, investors and analysts, with the PS3 redesign, and some terrific titles (such as the incredible looking postapocalyptic title, The Last Of Us) ready to give another boost to one of gaming’s two titans, still slugging it out for the title of top dog.
It’s time to be a Bad Piggie and roll to the finish line
Say Halo to an exclusive interview
WHILE not exactly about to go bust, due to there being about a bazillion and one people playing Angry Birds around the world – and buying merchandise, its maker, Roxio, can’t keep milking its birds forever. For example, its recent release of Amazing Alex (its first non-Angry Birds title) barely made a flap in the charts, unlike those blasted birds.
NEXT week, I have an exclusive full page special on the upcoming early November release of key Xbox 360 title, Halo 4. Last weekend, I was in Madrid for an extensive handson Halo 4 preview. Not only that, but I also interviewed Frank
And so, we come to its next game that’s a little like a cross between the two aforementioned titles, Bad Piggies. Here, gamers are tasked to build unlikely contraptions to carry said pigs to each stage’s finish, where their contraption’s design will be either an inspired success – or a crashing, crumbling catastrophe. Fusing the familiar art
style and characterisation of those pigs (below, right) in that game, with the tinkering found in Alex’s world, it’s an interesting – if not exactly revolutionary – sidestep for the franchise. Available for IOS platforms, at present, here’s your chance to try being very good at being bad ...
O’Connor, franchise development director for the Halo franchise at 343 Industries, and all-round nice guy. My exclusive interview with such a key Halo head honcho is definitely something any gamer won’t want to miss. So, say Halo to that exclusive in-depth interview, and preview feedback, in next week’s Gazette …
iPhone 5 sales failed to impress POOR old Apple. Even though they sold five million iPhone 5s in the first three days of trading, it seems that wasn’t enough to appease analysts – despite being the world’s most valuable company, its shares tumbled by more than $10 in early trading, due to what must have been seen as “disappointing” sales by various Wall Street types. However, with Christmas around the corner, and new markets opening up, Apple can surely be expected to bound back from such “poor” sales ...
GAZETTE
34 SWORDS GAZETTE 4 October 2012
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GazetteSPORT
4 October 2012 SWORDS gazette 35
american dream: Dublin’s hockey stars snapped up by US Colleges: Page 28
cricket: local players shine with bat and ball in annual staffordshire event
Leinster U-15 stars just pipped to title by Cheshire side
sport@gazettegroup.com
THE Leinster Under15 boy’s cricket squad enjoyed a successful visit to Wolverhampton recently as they participated in the Staffordshire Youth Cricket Tournament. They recorded four wins out of five during the festival week, with a narrow loss to Cheshire costing them the title in the final reckoning. They enjoyed wins over Cumbria, Norfolk,
Staffordshire and Lincolnshire. Between the Interprovincial and the Wolverhampton tournament, 23 players were used which reflects the depth of cricketers at this age-group in the province. Among them were Malahide’s Cameron Shoebridge, Phoenix’s Eoin Cleere and Marc Gibson-McKenna while there was a trio of North County players in the panel – Kashif Ali, Brian Smyth and Ross Staun-
ton, They started the campaign with a six wicket win over Norfolk with Ali (2-16) and Fiachra Tucker (2-19) producing fine spells. Balbriggan’s Nathan Rooney fired 58 with Smyth clipping 37 not out to see the side home with 12 overs to spare. Smyth then hit 61 in the defeat of Cumbria as Leinster made 221-6 before restricting the opposition to 114-8 from their allotted 45 overs,
Leinster captain Danny Hogan is presented with a shield at the Staffordshire youth cricket tournament
Tom Stanton’s spell producing an excellent 3-8. Cheshire, though, got the better of Leinster on day three, running up 157-8 and the Irish side fell 31 runs short in response. T hey got back on track with a 19-run win over Staffordshire and
closed out the competition with a 75-run win over Lincolnshire to tie at the top of the table with Cheshire. Having received the same amount of bonus points, though, Cheshire were awarded the overall title by virtue of more wickets taken.
Smyth ended as the leading run scorer for Leinster with 191 runs at an average of 63. Tucker was the province’s leading wicket taker with nine wickets at a miserly average of 9.5 runs per wicket. Indeed, he was named the bowler of the tour-
nament as he picked up the Peter Jones Bowling Award. His controlled leg spin impressed many seasoned watchers on the boundary. Te r e n u r e ’s D a n ny Hogan ably led the team, setting imaginative and attacking fields throughout the week.
36 SWORDS Gazette 4 October 2012
GazetteSport FastSport
hockey: local stars making waves at us universities
Aisling Naughton, centre, celebrates with her University of Michigan team mates as she has made a bright start to her college career
Castleknock to run Whitle Collar event THIRTY of Castleknock CLG’s finest will step into the ring on December 1 for the first Castleknock-Out night. The white collar boxing event will be held in the Wright Venue in Swords with buses organised for travel to and from the venue for what looks set be a great night. Tickets will be on sale very soon so keep it in your diaries. To fill the bill, the club is looking for club members willing to take part in the main event. All boxers will be matched by age, height and weight so a fair fight will be arranged. Full headgear will be worn for the fight which will consist of three two-minute rounds on the night. All who sign up will be given six weeks training by former professional and Olympic boxers in the National Stadium’s high performance gym Boxers of all ages and from all areas of the club are welcome to make for a diverse fightcard on the night with female members also encouraged to put their names forward. If interested or you want to volunteer somebody, get in touch with Paul Hughes, Gerry Kelly, Finbar Brady or Paul Warnock and they will be able to give you all the info about the event. This will raise much needed funds for the new clubhouse.
The American dream stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com
IRISH hockey waved goodbye to some of its brightest female prospects in the past few months as the trickle of talent heading to America has turned into a flood. In recent times, the country’s hockey players have been exploring opportunities within the sport. The majority of the Irish men’s squad currently play semi-professionally in the Dutch, German and Belgian leagues, while the women are now taking the chance to experience student life in the United States. Omagh’s Ireland international forward Megan Frazer was the first of the current crop to be lured on scholarship in 2009, winning consecutive allAmerican titles with the University of Maryland
as well as being named as the country’s best student hockey player last year. College recr uiters have since awoken to the opportunity to give Irish girls used to playing a low-profile sport in their spare time the chance to experience the buzz, crowds and media attention that come with collegiate sport in America, as well as putting hockey front and centre in their lives. The result is that 16 starlets — most of who have previously been involved with Ireland at U-18 or U-21 level — have opted to follow the American dream, 11 of them are heading over as freshers this year. From that number, many hail from south Dublin. They include Deirdre Duke (formerly of Alexandra College), Emma Russell (Loreto,
Dalkey), Orla Macken (Rathdown) , Gillian Pinder and Hayley Sarratt (both St Andrew’s), while former Hermes player Liz McInerney and Loreto Beaufort graduate Trish O’Dwyer travelled over a year earlier. There are also three former Mount Anville players in situ with Lisa McCarthy and Aisling Naughton taking up impressive scholarships, following in the footsteps of Sinead Loughran who has been at University of North Carolina for the past three years. And Naughton – who was part of the Ireland U-21 panel earlier this year – enthusiastically explained to GazetteSport that it has been one of the most exciting times for her hockey career since taking up an offer from University of Michigan.
A tireless attacker, Naughton has scored three times in her first nine outings and has already been named in the Big Ten freshman line-up, adapting quickly to her new surroundings, one which is a world away from Dublin’s lowkey scene. “Each game is like a showcase with over 350 people watching,” she said. “It’s a really great experience as the crowd do go crazy and cheer throughout the game. It’s much more of an event and they create a great atmosphere. “It’s like we are treated like professionals. When I first arrived, they had a custom-made face mask for defensive penalty corners. It shows how well we are treated.” Such perks are simply not affordable on the Irish scale and while
some Irish coaches have expressed concerns about the standard of play on offer, Naughton says that she reckons it should not have a negative impact on her career. “I wasn’t sure what it would be like coming over here but there are a couple of players who are training with the US international squad. “It will always be a concern that we might be forgotten about [by the national coaches]. But what does help is that there are 10 more of us over here. No selector can ignore that amount of potentially good players.” Next on the agenda for Naughton is a battle against North-Western University, where she will be in direct opposition to McCarthy, her best friend from school days as the season builds to a crescendo in October.
4 October 2012 SWORDS gazette 37
DublinGazetteNewspapers golf: doran and moynihan on top form 2012 Dublin sports awards september winners
H STARof theMONTH catherine walsh swords woman Catherine Walsh was one of the Irish stars of the Paralympic Games as she, in tandem with Fran Meehan, won a silver and bronze medal in the track and road cycling events, respectively, to add another chapter to an already glittering career across a number of sporting disciplines
TEAMof theMONTH castle golf club NINETY-NINE years since their last success, Rathfarnham’s Castle golf club finally ended their long wait for an Irish Senior Cup success in fine style as they took glory this month in Kinsale, getting the better of Warrenpoint in the final, their ninth victory en route to the title throughout the summer.
TEAM ethic was very much the motto of the month as the tail-end of summer saw club and county produce some magnificent performances, highlighted by the Dublin minor hurlers and footballers. Inspired by their efforts, many clubs around the city found their trophy cabinets bolstered while others moved a couple of steps closer to such glory. As such, all three individual nominees for the September Star of the
Month award owed a lot to teamwork in many respects with eventual winner Catherine Walsh working with her pilot Fran Meehan in the Paralympic cycling event. For Castle golf club, they reached the pinnacle of the Irish club golfing scene as they completed an incredible run of nine successive wins in the Irish Senior Cup to add the national title to the provincial one they pinned down a month earlier.
Donabate’s Pat Doran shot a spectacular final round to earn a playoff shot at the British Senior’s strokeplay
Local duo shoot top rounds sport@gazettegroup.com
DONABATE’S Pat Doran fired a sensational one-under par 74 to tie for the lead and then lost out at the second tiehole at the British Senior Women’s Strokeplay at Hunstanton, last week. Katherine Russell (Royal Ashdown Forest), making her debut in the championship at the age of 51, won the title with a conceded par four at the 18th hole after the first tie hole was halved
in bogey. Doran had to settle for second place for the second successive year. Earlier Doran had birdied five of the last 10 holes to jump from sixth to a tie for first place and force extra time. Helen Jones (Royal Portrush) had started the day one behind Spanish leader Rocio Ruiz de Velasco but slipped back to the pack after a disappointing 81. Sheena McElroy (Grange) fired a second
successive level par 75 to finish joint fourth while Ireland’s only other qualifier for the final round Mary Maclaren (Wellingborough) signed for 92. T he Island golfer Gavin Moynihan, meanwhile, picked up 2.5 out of three points at the Junior Ryder Cup last week. He was one of the competition’s standout performers despite Europe’s 14½ to 9½ loss at Olympia Fields Country Club as they claimed
Super Swans: Local quartet claim Euro Cup south Dublin Swans players,
left to right, Bobby Byrne, Peter Ross, Kevin Brennan and Richie Duignam celebrate their success as part of the Irish Aussie Rules football team. They claimed the AFL European Cup for the second successive year in Edinburgh with a stunning victory over Denmark, scoring two goals in the final minute to win 30-29.
www.gazettegroup.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away
the title for a third successive year. The United States battled to a 7-5 lead after the first day of foursomes and mixed four-balls, then sprinted out in singles Tuesday by winning four of its first five matches. And they duly claimed the match with seven points from the 12 singles matches – despite Moynihan’s four and three victory over Jim Liu of Smithtown, New York in the first match.
38 swords gazette 4 October 2012
GazetteSport FastSport
Malahide hopes are dashed in Kilkenny MALAHIDE travelled to Kilkenny on Saturday with hopes of upsetting one of the favourites for the title in the opening game of the Leinster League Division 2A programme, falling 19-12. A cracking autumn day greeted the two teams with conditions perfect for a good open game of rugby. Kilkenny were out of the blocks quickest and soon had the visitors under pressure as a missed clearance to touch saw Malahide penned in their own half. After 10 minutes, the pressure told and the home team accepted a penalty opportunity to move into a 3-0 lead. Malahide started to exert a bit of pressure but poor work at the breakdown deprived them of any continuity and the cats were soon back deep in the Malahide half. A well-worked maul from a lineout allowed them to grab the game’s opening try, building a 10-0 lead. And they kept up the pressure for the remainder of the half, kicking two further penalties for a 16-0 half-time lead. The second half opened up in a similar vein told and Kilkenny were able to convert another penalty opportunity. But they were not to score again as Malahide burst back into contention. Eoin Crowley and Darren Morrin started to make their mark with some good carries that put the home team on the back foot. With some good continuity, Malahide were able to stretch the defence, working good ball out wide and right wing Eoin Barber was able to out-muscle the home defence and put his side on the board. Half-backs Brendan Carpenter and Dave Williams ensured they stayed on while out wide Richie Forbes and Colin Corkery were starting to find some space, and with six minutes remaining, another sustained Malahide attack saw Richie Forbes cross for Malahide’s second try. With the conversion missed, that left just a converted try between the teams at 19-12. Malahide continued to press and with just seconds remaining they thought that they had created the breakthrough to square the game up but unfortunately Barber’s pass to Forbes was adjudged to have gone forward allowing the hosts to hang on for a 19-12 victory.
soccer: bright start to the season for celtic u-19s
Swords Celtic U-19s have enjoyed a great start to the inaugural league set-up, winning three out of their opening four games
Swords’ AUL boys play it tough sport@gazettegroup.com
Paul Darcy and his Swords Celtic AUL U-19s have enjoyed a great start to the inaugural league set-up, bagging three wins from four games with the latest victory coming at home against a tough Ballymun side. Only suffering one loss so far this season to second place Collinstown, the Swords side seemed to have gelled a lot better based on the last outing due to the new influx of players from last year. The scores opened up 20 minutes into the game when Alan Sherwin got
in the end of a fantastic Darragh Gill cross that came from a free kick. It was a well deserved goal for the Swords side who were well on top during the first instalment of play. However, Ballymun put one of their won past Gareth McGrath on 40 minutes, when the Swords stopper managed a fantastic save from an initial shot, but when the defenders failed to clear the ball, Ballymun pounced a scored from a couple of yards out. Celtic weren’t finished however and, when Tony Murphy had to leave the
Ian on the ball: Four Nations Golf Challenge malahide’s Ian Dallas and partner Fraser Thomson successfully defended the Four Nations Golf Challenge last week in front of the Sky Sports cameras at The Oxfordshire Golf Hotel Spa, England Both playing off a handicap of 7, Dallas and Thomson joined five other pairs that made it through regional qualifying to make up a 24-man Ireland team who competed against golfers from England, Scotland and Wales in a fourball-better-ball matchplay contest. After beating Scotland 4½ -1½ , they delivered a point to help defeat Wales in the final by 3½ points to 2½ . Sky Sports coverage will be repeated on four occasions across October15-16, 2012.
pitch due to injury, Gavin Purcell was ready to stake his claim in the first 11, after Darragh Gill put a lovely ball through to the replacement striker who slipped by the keeper confidently. Ballymun were a lot better in the second half, and it was on the 60-minute mark when they grabbed an equaliser as their winger did well to find space before picking out their unmarked centre forward in the box. The pace of the Swords wingers began to sway the game their way in the last quarter of the game, and with 15 minutes to
go Jamie Hore pulled away from his marker to execute a perfect delivery that Paul Kelly slipped by the opposition goalkeeper. It was substitute Gavin Purcell that made the final goal when he picked out talented left winger Hore, who finished off the scoring for the Celtic men in the last five minutes. After finding their feet in the league, Darcy believes his men have a good chance of promotion, but knows the threats that exist in the league. “There’s ourselves and about four other teams
that will all be looking to win this league,” said Darcy. “We’ve been finding our feet, but we’re growing with every performance and I think winning the league could be realistic. “We were unlucky to lose against Collinstown, but the lads are looking forward to getting them on their own patch now and taking a result against them. “I think the league is fantastic, I think it gets lads ready for the physicality in senior football and the AUL have done very well to put it together,” said Darcy.
4 October 2012 swords gazette 39
hurling: epic summer ends on low note
Club Noticeboard fingallians HARD luck to the young Dubs who
winners of Ballymun or Kilmacud
were beaten in the minor All-Ire-
Crokes in the A championship semi-
land hurling replay in Croke Park.
final on Sunday, October 14 in Law-
A very big thank to Catherine Walsh and her precious time as she attended the nursery on Saturday morning and a club night in her
less Park, Swords; further details to follow. The club shop will be open this Friday, October 5 from 7-9pm.
honour that evening with both her
Less than five weeks to go, Satur-
Olympic medals. Check out the club
day, November 3, until Fingallians
Facebook page for all the pictures
boxers take on Naomh Barrog in the
and www.fingallians.com - Fins TV
Battle of Fingal at the Wright venue,
for more footage.
Swords. Doors open at 7.30pm and
Due to rainfall last week, the hurling mini All-Ireland was cancelled.
nightclub entrance included in the ticket price of €20.
It is now re-scheduled for the week
Please come out and support your
b e g inning Oc tob er 15. Fur ther
club; tickets available now from all
details are available from nicola.
boxers and also behind the club bar.
fitzgerald.gpo.dublin@gaa.ie
Great up-to-date training pictures
Our U-15A footballers will play the
on Facebook.
fingal ravens WELL done to our minors who had
to enter at least two tables, €7.50
a great three-point win on Sunday
per person (€30 per table).
The Dublin minor hurling team that lost out in their All-Ireland final replay last Sunday with Shay Boland, below
morning away to St Finian’s in the
Local stars topped by Tipp in minor final
championship.
sport@gazettegroup.com
TWO early goals for the Premier County took the wind out of Dublin sails last Sunday when they went six points down in the early passages of the All Ireland minor final at Croke Park. Despite a late rally, S h ay Bo l and ’s men couldn’t recapture the magic of the initial draw, missing out in the final for a second successive year. Mark McCarthy and Tadhg Gallagher scored early to get the Munster men in front and despite points from Ballyboden St Enda’s James Roche to soften those blows, the Tipperary duo opened up a large early lead with a further five points being put over before the break, leaving it 2-10 to 0-5. With a lot to do, Shay Boland introduced the talented Kevin O’Flynn of St Sylvester ’s at half-time and the Fin-
gal man’s efforts were immense. It denied the perfect cherry on top of a fine summer that saw Dublin win in Leinster for the second time and tie the first All-Ireland decider a couple of weeks ago. T he talented half forward’s introduction signalled a change in tactic for Boland as he removed a half back, Robert Murphy of Kilmacud Crokes, to get more of a scoring presence on the field in a hope to open the floodgates. O’Flynn not only possesses a great eye for scores, but he is also a free taking specialist for Sylvester’s, adding another free-taking option in case Paul Winters fell out of sorts. However, O’Flynn’s efforts that saw him contending for every ball and doing his best to distribute the play through the tenacious backlines of Tipperary
proved to be in vain as the Premier County took a harder grip of the game. Tipp pressed their advantage home in the second half and had a 14-point lead going into the last 10 minutes 2-16 to 0-8, K i l m a c u d C r o ke s ’ Oisin O’Rorke netted what turned out to be a consolation for the Dubs, with the scores finishing at 2-18 to 1-11. After the game, minor manager Shay Boland took time to acknowl-
edge the effort his players put in throughout the year. “They’re only young fellas and they did their best and once they do their best that’s all you can ask for,” said the Plunkett’s man. “We didn’t get the start we’d have hoped for and Tipperary, to be fair to them, took their goals very well. “A f ter that, it was always going to be an uphill battle and they were just too much for us on the day,” he finished.
As well as overall winning tables, we will award additional fun prizes
They were eight points down at
to the leading table/team in the dif-
half-time but they put in a spirited
ferent groups ( juvenile boys, juve-
performance in the second half;
nile girls, seniors, etc).
well done to Vinnie and all the lads.
For more information, contact
The U-13s had a great win on Sat-
your team manager/mentor or Nick
urday against Naomh Olaf in the
Halligan at 087 2214992.
league, they were seven points
We would like to send our condo-
down at half-time but they battled
lences to the Reilly family on the
back in the second half, well done to
death of Rose.
all the lads.
We are holding a karaoke night in
We are running a table quiz this
the Pound on Saturday, October
Friday, October 5 at 8pm in Kettles,
20, more details to follow in due
each team in the club are requested
course.
st finian’s CONGRATULATIONS to Ciara Bucha-
tude to Home E xpr e s s Dir e c t ,
nan from our U-15 camogie team
which sponsored all of the team
who is the first St Finian’s camogie
shirts in our recent mini All-Ireland
player to win a Leinster medal.
leagues.
Ciara is part of the Dublin Under-
The date for the annual general
15B team who beat Wexford with a
meeting of the club has been set for
convincing win 6-10 to 0-4 at Clanna
November 22.
Gael, Ringsend on Friday night. A wonder ful achievemen t for Ciara and a proud moment for our club. Our Under-16 footballers were beaten by Round Tower, Clondalkin in the shield final on Saturday. The match was tight until the latter stages when Tower’s got a couple of goals. Commiserations also go to the Dublin minors who lost against Tipperary in the All-Ireland hurling final replay. We would like to repeat our grati-
Follow GazetteSport on
A formal notification will be sent in due course. Another date for your diary is that we have a tea party planned for December 1 in the community centre. The lotto jackpot was €6,900. The numbers drawn were 1, 11, 15 and 16. There was no winner. The €50 winners were T Liston and Andrew Wilkinson. Next week’s jackpot will be €7,000. For all the latest news and updates, why not follow us on Twitter @StFiniansSwords.
Facebook and Twitter and online at www.gazettegroup.com
all of your swords sports coverage from page 35-39
minority report: Dublin hurlers
fall to Tipperary in All-Ireland replay P39
october 4, 2012
American dream: South Dublin stars USbound for hockey season P36
GazetteSPORT
The current facilities for Swords Boxing Club at the Carnegie Library are insufficient to match the demand from enthusiastic locals
Swords fight their corner for space Boxing club cannot cope with demand for places as Olympic bounce leads to creation of women’s section swordssport@gazettegroup.com
SWORDS Boxing Club are once again hitting the campaign trail to attempt to extend their offering to the local community. The club have been trying tirelessly to expand their facilities, but they are currently overloaded at just 35 members. A waiting list of people that three times that number is waiting to join the club, on the back of the success of Team Ireland heroes Katie Taylor, John Joe Nevin, Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlon at the London Games. Just last month, it was reported that the club had been forced to turn away girls from its doors due to a lack of facilities that would allow for separate changing rooms, something that founder John Sheppard has campaigned endlessly for. “It’s getting to the stage where we are going to have do something. There’s a huge demand for women’s boxing, so we’re looking to make an agreement with a local hotel or bar. It’s not ideal, but we have no other option,” said Sheppard.
The hope that the club could move from their three small rooms in Carnegie Library to a bigger complex was taken away last week when the Fingal County Council decided that a boxing ring would be “unsuitable” for use in a shared facility, as it would intrude on other sports using the facility. Sheppard has gone on record to say that the club could at least triple its numbers overnight if they were to get a new facility, and all involved with the club are growing frustrated with the amount of children they have to turn away from what they consider to be a positive outlet for local youth. “We provide this fantastic outlet for free, and it’s for a lot of children who slip through the cracks of the team aspect of football, hurling, soccer and the likes. They come up here and thrive. “Of course, we get a lot of lads who come in from different sports and they’re great too. But for some lads, it’s huge to be able to come down here and train. We’d like more kids to be able to
get that outlet,” said Sheppard. With the growing demand for the expansion or development of new facilities for the club, Cllr Darragh Butler released a statement about the progress toward the club’s goal. “We are working with the council to try and come up with an alternative facility. They came close to [accessing] one of the community centres last year, but it is pretty specialist in what is required and to share facilities. “I know everyone involved must be getting frustrated because it is a great sport. We have not just seen what has been achieved at the Olympics but in terms of it being a valuable interest for children who aren’t interested in team sports, it gives them another outlet. “I’d like to think I’m doing everything possible to help the council come up with some alternatives. It is frustrating. Where they are isn’t really suitable, but I want to reassure them that we are always in the background thinking about them. We are trying to do our best in that regard,” he concluded .